HEAL Research Associate

Academic

Job CategoryFaculty Non Bargaining

Job TitleHEAL Research Associate

DepartmentCarlsten Laboratory Division of Respiratory Medicine Department of Medicine Faculty of Medicine (Christopher Carlsten)

Posting End DateMarch 26, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End DateApr 30, 2025

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

The expected pay for this position is $80,000/annum.

Job Summary:

The Research Associate will play a pivotal role in the Climate Change Health Effects, Adaptation, and resiLience (HEAL) Research Excellence Cluster, operating under the guidance of Drs. Chris Carlsten (Respiratory Medicine) and Lorien Nesbitt (Forestry). This position is focused on advancing the goals of the cluster through long-term sustainability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge translation.

The overarching objectives of the HEAL cluster involve 1) understanding the health impacts of climate change, particularly extreme events like wildfire smoke and extreme heat, 2) exploring nature-based approaches for climate resilience, and 3) leveraging innovative methods, including AI and machine learning, for a place-based approach to climate and health. Cross-cutting themes include research that is centered on community perspectives, inequities, and integrated knowledge translation.

Responsibilities:

Grant Writing: Collaborate with cluster members to write grants for tri-council funding agencies (e.g., CIHR Project Grants, SSHRC Partnership Grants), as well as supporting partnership development and knowledge translation through grants from Michael Smith Health Research BC (MSHRBC) and Mitacs.

Relationship Building: Build and maintain relationships crucial to the integrated knowledge translation approach of the cluster. Conduct outreach, facilitate network maintenance, and foster effective communication within the cluster.

Knowledge Translation: Organize and plan conferences, workshops, and meetings, including content and facilitation as required. Prepare summaries, graphics, and presentations that synthesize knowledge so that it can be applied in policy and practice.

Network Maintenance: Ensure the smooth functioning of the cluster by maintaining regular communication through newsletters, attending events, inviting new members, updating the website, and overall communication with cluster members.

Trainee Network Development: Innovatively contribute to the development of a durable trainee network. This may involve grant writing, outreach activities, and the organization of events aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between trainees and faculty members.

Requirements:

PhD in health science, public health, forestry, sustainability, planning or related field.

Interdisciplinary understanding of climate change, health, nature-based solutions, and community-based research and action.

Aptitude for mixed methods design, ideally including experience in both qualitative and quantitative analyses and manuscript preparation.

Strong grant-writing skills for research project grants, partnership grants, and trainee grants (e.g., CIHR, SSHRC, MSHRBC, Mitacs).

Experience in knowledge translation, including creating resources, tools, and applied knowledge translation for effective implementation in practice or policy.

Excellent interpersonal skills, project management, and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail.

JR16322